In downtown areas and their businesses, despite facing challenges, they have not said their last word. This is the essence of the retail meetings organized by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Tarbes and Hautes-Pyrénées. It is an opportunity to assess the state of consumption in the Hautes-Pyrénées, explore potential developments, and reward innovative and enterprising businesses.
The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Tarbes organized the retail meetings on the future of the retail sector in the region. This event was supported by La Nouvelle République des Pyrénées and La Dépêche du Midi, local commerce partners. François-Xavier Brunet, the president of the Chamber of Commerce, emphasized that “businesses are not just decorations in downtown areas,” urging consumers to understand the impact of their purchases. Businesses need customers, and elected officials should utilize programs to bring residents back to downtown areas and revitalize the community.
The event brought together merchants, officials, and economic actors to decipher the dynamics reshaping downtown and peripheral areas. The goal is to shed light on local issues to envision a more resilient and innovative commerce. Discussions highlighted that commerce is not an isolated cause but a result of various factors such as urban planning, mobility, and housing.
The results of a 2025 household survey conducted by the AID firm for the Occitanie Chamber of Commerce served as a reflection base to understand changes in buying practices where the market no longer expands but redistributes. These data reveal a profound shift in behaviors, marked by a growing hybridization between physical shopping and online commerce. The analysis over time shows a significant increase in commercial vacancy rates in municipalities with over 15,000 residents between 2004 and 2024. This situation requires operators to rethink their models to meet rising customer demands.
Renowned consumer expert Olivier Dauvers (M6-RTL) provided insights on the need for physical stores to differentiate themselves through unique product offerings. According to him, “the primary reason for visiting a store will always be the product, assortment, and merchandise.” This pursuit of added value is crucial to maintain downtown appeal amidst digital competition. Merchants must adapt to citizens’ lifecycle by adjusting opening hours and integrating environmental aspects like repair and second-hand markets. The goal is clear: “Raise the bar and become the preferred merchant of your customers.”
The evening also saw the presentation of the Commerce Trophies celebrating innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development. These awards highlight successful initiatives, showcasing how many professionals can reinvent themselves despite a complex economic environment. Consular councils stress the importance of urban planning in supporting these efforts. The commerce of the future will not solely drive downtown areas but will benefit from new flows through a mix of functions including housing and services.
